Track Listing

1. Mi Buenos Aires Querido
2. Melodia de Arrabal
3. Leguisamo Solo
4. Tomo y Obligo
5. Silencio
6. Golondrinas
7. Por Una Cabeza
8. Sus Ojos Se Cerraron
9. Volver
10. Rubias de Nueva York
11. Día Que Me Quieras
12. Cuesta Abajo
13. Madreselva
14. Amargura
15. Estudiante
16. Soy Una Fiera
17. Buenos Aires
18. Arrabal Amargo
19. Volvió una Noche
20. Lejana Tierra Mia

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8689 in Music
• Released on: 1998-05-19
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.com
The dates and facts surrounding the birth of Carlos Gardel, even his real name and nationality, are still argued about--more than 60 years after his death in a plane crash. But his place as the greatest singer in the history of tango is indisputable. Gardel not only nearly singlehandedly defined the tango-cancion (sung tango) and set the standards of interpretation. For many, he embodied the very spirit of tango--urbane yet streetwise, romantic but also tough, sensual but oh-so-cool. This collection, smartly selected and reasonably improved aurally, offers ample proof. North American audiences may recognize songs such as El Dia Que Me Quieras (sung by Luis Miguel, Julio Iglesias), Mi Buenos Aires Querido (Iglesias) and Por Una Cabeza (soundtrack True Lies). Gardel brings to his performance impeccable intonation, precise phrasing and just the right pathos. These are the definitive versions by a master at the peak of his powers. --Fernando Gonzalez

Customer Reviews

Gardel, master of the tango cancion
This album lives up to its title, displaying Gardel as the indisputable king of the tango genre. While there is some background noise, it serves to make authentic these recordings dating mostly from the first half of the 1930's, and in no way detracts from the way Gardel maximizes the connection between the sentimental lyrics and plaintive melodies of these tracks.

Three of the selections merit special mention. Mi Buenos Aires Querido is especially touching to those who know that Gardel, then Carlos Gardes, immigrated to the slums of Buenos Aires at age three with his mother. Volver is the epitomy of songs in which a male mourns his inability to put aside his lost love; Gardel is far more convincing than Julio Iglesias on the latter's album "Tango". Finally, El dia que me quieras has lyrics so mellifluous and loaded with emotional triggers that one can understand why Gardel's tragic death comprised an international tragedy in an age when there was far less cognizance of foreign culture than today. The informative liner notes greatly add to the appreciation of these well-selected classics.

"The Best of Carlos Gardel" earns five stars for its authentic presentation of the highly talented originator of the sung tango, which is inextricably tied to the culture of Argentina and is excellent entertainment in its own right.

Not the best sound of the Carlos Gardel reissues
Yes, the recordings here are core treasures of Tango. But the audio processing causes there to be resonances at certain midrange frequencies that are harsh and irritating. Better sound, and twice the tracks for 1/3 more, can be found in "Lo Mejor de lo Mejor" (as it is listed on Amazon --- the CD actually is called "Carlos Gardel 40 Temas Originales").

The essence of tango embodied
Without a doubt the selections chosen exemplify the purity and passion of tango. With a voice that transcends time, Gardel reaches the very pinnacle of musical greatness. Gardel's greatness cannot be overstated: his baritone voice is classic, the sound is timeless, and the lyrics bring nostalgia.